Educating Our Eagles - Issue 23

MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Animal and Plant Adaptations
Seventh grade Science students study adaptations that organisms need for increased
survival and reproduction in various habitats. To demonstrate their understanding,
they create a project to show the behaviors or structures needed for increased
survival and biological fitness within a chosen species. Students were able to research an
existing plant or animal, or create a new species based upon inspiration from an existing
adaptation. To show understanding, students could create: a diagram/drawing, a model,
a written explanation, or a poster to show the relationship type, animal behavior(s)/
structure(s), or plant structure(s), involved, habitat, and unique species related vocabulary.
These projects were required to relate content vocabulary words, important plant/animal
structures and relevant animal behaviors to our unit essential question, and to show clarity,
organization, focus on topic, and understanding of content.
As a result of instruction, students will be able to:
• construct an explanation based on evidence for how characteristic animal behaviors
and specialized plant structures increase the probability of successful reproduction of
animals and plants.
• explain how the structures and/or behaviors of organisms enable and enhance life’s
functions.
Observations:
Students really showed their individuality and creativity with this assignment. They practiced
their researching skills, evaluating and citing sources, and showed investment and focus on
their projects. They also were able to gain a greater level of understanding of content and build
in relevant examples of animal and plant adaptations to draw upon when thinking critically
about the standard on future assignments and assessments.
MA Standards:
7.MS-LS1-4
EDUCATING OUR EAGLES
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